Comic veteran comes to Golden Gecko

Terry Grossman, a 40-year-old Houston native, will be performing at the Golden Gecko on Saturday.

Terry Grossman got a rise out of his first audience when, in middle school, he put a banana in his mouth to imitate a monkey. He struck comedic gold and continued to make others laugh.

The 40-year-old Houston native, who was once a limousine driver, took a career detour into full-time comedy.

"I got on the stage and I never got off," Grossman said. He said he was first inspired by Sinbad because Grossman loved the comic's style.

This preacher's kid will make his Victoria debut at the Golden Gecko on Saturday evening, saying that he plans to do his research about the area before standing in front of the mic.

"You have to find out what the crowd likes," Grossman said. "If you don't find out, you bomb out."

Promoter Joey Sandoval said Grossman will win over the audience because he's absolutely hysterical.

"He has a way of interacting with the crowd without making fun of them," Sandoval said.

The 2012 Presidential Election may be a hot topic rolling off most comedians' tongues, but don't expect to hear any Team Obama or Team Romney endorsements from Grossman.

"I shy away from politics, I just enjoy being funny," he said.

This 17-year comedic veteran's style has granted him the opportunity to be on BET's "Comic View" and "Showtime at the Apollo." Grossman also opened up for music legends Patti LaBelle and Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly.

Before facing a crowd of 5,000, Grossman admitted to being a little nervous, but the uneasiness quickly dissolves once he begins his routine.

The Houstonian received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the same stage as the Original Kings of Comedy, which included Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and the late Bernie Mac.

Grossman said he admires Mac and George Lopez for their in-your-face approach to comedy.

"These guys will tell you things you need to hear," he said.

Although the Saturday headliner has garnered some career success, Grossman stated that a challenge to the artistic road is paying dues. He's willing to work his way up the comedic ladder.

Grossman's upbringing in the church gave him a solid foundation for life, but he admits to his own faults.

"I honestly don't know what happened to me. I'm bad," he said jokingly. The featured funny man said he does not plan to use a lot of profanity in his act because too much ill-language takes away from the joke.

Grossman said he wants Victorians to come out and enjoy themselves this weekend at his show, promising his 45-minute show will be humorous and fresh.

"I give it my all every time I go on stage because I act like it's my first time," he said.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: Terry Grossman stand-up comedy

WHEN: Dinner, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; Show 9 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Golden Gecko, 202 E. Forrest St., Victoria

COST: $25 dinner and comedy show, $10 comedy show

INFO: Call 361-655-9019 for more information and for ticket purchasing